THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was celebration time for supporters of S Sreesanth as they took to social media platforms to get behind the Kerala cricketer after he was vindicated by the Patiala House Court in the IPL spot fixing case on Saturday.
Ever since Sreesanth was arrested for his alleged involvement in spot fixing during the sixth edition of the IPL, there has been campaigns led by the his fans on the social media demanding justice for the cricketer.
And on Saturday, support from the netizens poured in for Sreesanth after the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. “So you mean to say Sreesanth used those white hand towels just to wipe the ball?” asked user @DesiHum0ur in a sarcastic tone as ‘Sreesanth’ trended on Twittersphere throughout the day.
On Facebook, Save Sreesanth Forum, the largest of such communities with over 33,000 members was filled with messages for the cricketer. “This verdict is the result of the composure and restraint shown by Sreesanth. We are waiting for that moment when Sreesanth’s delivery beats the batsman and carry to the hands of Sanju V Samson behind the wicket,” commented Adithyan Chandrasekharan on the forum.
“@Sreesanth36 seems to be the greatest victim of cricket conspiracy! Who will compensate for his losses?” commented @RajanMahan on Twitter after the verdict was out. “Can you erase the voice of Ravi Shastri saying ‘In the air, Sreesanth takes it, India wins” from Indian cricket fans memories? No, you cant BCCI,” said @MB_Renjith, referring to catch taken by Sreesanth in the final of the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup gifting India the world title.
“On a day when many are planning to boycott Kerala for culling dogs, at least one Kerala underdog, Sreesanth gets life,” said writer N S Madhavan on Twitter. There was also considerable scorn for the then Delhi police chief Neeraj Kumar on social media.
“A slap on ex-top cop Neeraj Kumar who foisted a trophy case to wash away Nirbhaya stains. But harm is done, can Sreesanth return?” Madhavan asked.
“Kumar behaved like he had nabbed India’s most wanted criminals when they arrested and face-masked Sreesanth. But the truth prevails,” said another user @Zeeshan_GH.
Some even took to lengths to speculate a return to international cricket for the paceman. “India playing in sub-continental conditions up to 2016, that too with lack of swing bowlers, means huge plus for Sreesanth,” said @DileepCristiano.
“We hope to see Sreesanth playing for Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the next IPL,” said another user.
Meanwhile a jubilaint Sreesanth tweeted - “God is great. Thanks a lot,” he said posting a picture of himself celebrating a wicket in the India blue during the 2007 T20 WC.